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Excess Flow Valve

An Excess Flow Valve (EFV) is a mechanical device installed inside a natural gas distribution service line between the street and meter.

EFVs are designed to shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the service pipe breaks between the main in the street and the gas meter. EFVs do not stop the flow of gas for any leaks or faulty equipment on the customer’s side of the gas meter, and are designed so that general usage, such as turning on appliances, will not trip the valve.

Recent changes in federal regulations require natural gas system operators to provide notification to all of their customers of their right to have an EFV installed on their service if one does not already exist, and if the service allows for the proper installation of this device. These devices are installed on all new gas services lines, and many existing services are already equipped with them. EFVs are not installed on service lines that operate at pressures less than 10 psig, or large service lines with high gas flow rates. Certain other conditions may also prohibit the installation of an EFV.

If an existing service line is not already equipped with an EFV, we will install an EFV on an existing eligible gas service line upon request by the customer at a mutually agreed date. To install the excess flow valve, we will excavate the service line at its connection to the gas mainline piping that runs down your street. We will then turn off your gas service line, install the excess flow valve, backfill the excavation and relight your appliances. Typically, within a few months our restoration contractor will return to restore the excavation to a permanent condition. Under certain conditions we may need to replace your entire gas service at no additional cost.

Since an excess flow valve must be sized to operate properly under current load conditions, any significant load changes that would require a larger meter, such as installing an emergency generator or pool heater, may also require the replacement of the EFV at an additional cost.

For those customers who do not have an EFV installed on their service line and would like to have one installed, there is a customer cost for the installation. The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved the customer installation costs below, which outline the cost for CNG to install an EFV. Customers who desire an EFV will be responsible for the installation costs and any future replacement costs associated with new gas utilization equipment additions that would cause the gas flow capacity to exceed the capacity of the existing EFV.

Category 1 - $2,300 each for a simple residential installation not on an arterial street, state highway or concrete-based road.

Category 2 - $3,400 each for an installation on an arterial street (commercial or residential).

Category 3 - $6,200 each for installation on a state road or concrete-based street (commercial or residential).

For more information, or to place your name on the contact list, please call 203.795.7712.

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FAQs

What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?

Use your senses to detect gas leaks. A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Remember, if you smell natural gas, get up, get out and call us immediately from a neighbor's phone.

Smell
Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For your safety, a distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you'll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.

Sight
You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

Sound
You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling.If you suspect a gas leak get up, go outside and call MNG from a neighbor's phone toll free at 800.513.8898 or call 911 for your local fire department. SCG will respond quickly to ensure that you and your family are safe.

Do not operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

Do not use a telephone.

Do not light a match or smoke and extinguish any open flames.

Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

Do not open windows and doors to ventilate the area.

Provide SCG with the exact location, including cross streets.

Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.

Can snow and ice create a safety problem for gas meter sets?

Yes. Snow and ice can block gas services valves and make it difficult for first responders to turn off the gas to a building in the event of a fire or gas leak. Pressure regulators and relief vents can also become blocked. If this occurs, an over-pressurization or under-pressurization could result I a hazardous condition for customers.

Can snow and ice cause a safety problem for gas appliances?

Yes. Most natural gas equipment vent from the roof but some vent from other parts of your home, such as the sidewall. Periodically check outside your home to make sure your furnace, water heater, dryer, or fireplace vents are not blocked by snow and/or ice.

Who do I contact if I need to dig on my property?

What do I need to know about pressure regulators and relief valves?

Pressure regulators and relief valves have a pressure relief vent that must be capable of venting gas safely to open air. When a pressure regulator is located inside a building the vent must be piped to an area outside of the building so if it operates it will vent safely to free air.